Long distance drivers better be careful during rains

Lakshmi Kothaneth -

Muscat, July 5 -

A word of caution for drivers heading towards areas adjoining Al Hajar Mountains during the weekend: ‘Drive safely’.

Rain in North Al Sharqiyah as well as certain parts of South Al Sharqiyah and Al Dakhiliyah on Wednesday, besides light showers in South Al Batinah (near Al Rustaq) has made driving difficult in several areas.

The Rustaq-Ibri road as well as the Nizwa-Bahla route was tough for motorists. Heavy rain lashed Ibra too, making driving difficult.

Satellite and weather radar images have detected convective clouds development in these areas. “Cloud development accompanied by thundershowers is expected until July 9. Heavy rains are expected on July 8 and 9,” said the Met Office at Public Authority for Civil Aviation.

There are chances of late night to early morning low-level clouds or formation of fog patches along most of the coastal areas.

Met Office said the Khareef enthusiasts can expect drizzle in the coastal areas of Dhofar and light rain over the mountains during late night and early morning.

Salalah is currently experiencing pleasant weather with a maximum temperature of 29 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 26 degrees Celsius.

Over the mountains of Dhofar, Jabal Samhan recorded a maximum temperature of 22 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 19 degrees Celsius, and Jabal Qamar 23 and 20 degrees Celsius, respectively.